Our Story. Us. We: standing and bending like willows in the earth. Rooted.

A simple concept. A life-enhancing show.

The Story of Us, on now at Artists on Elgin, was born in a workshop organized by the Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA) and the works that emanated forth explore art from a very personal perspective, says Kaarina Ranta, a program co-ordinator at NISA.

"All of the work featured was created over a period of four months by four participants who explored what colours and images were important to them, what lines helped them express different feelings and what were the stories they needed to tell," she explains. "The works are representations of important components of the artist's life and through this medium, stories were told in a safe and somewhat coded way."

Under the guidance of Kim Mullin-Santone, the artists, all members of NISA, met weekly to create a series of narrative mixed-media paintings. Each week focused on a new skill, including transfer and painting techniques, and the use of expressive colour.

"Participation in this exhibit helped members to explore what their stories were and gave the opportunity for them to tell them in a way that was safe," Ranta says.

She also participated in the workshop series and says it has had broad benefits.

"I know for myself I was able to gain some awareness into themes and feelings in my life and through the creative process, come to terms with that," she explains. "Dedicating weekly time to the art inspired me to continue creating and expressing myself, something that has trickled into other aspects of my life and something I am quite grateful for."

NISA is a mental health recovery organization that strives to help people reach and maintain wellness through a variety of programs, including the Artists' Loft, the Writers' Circle, the Northern Computer Recycling Depot, Food is Mood and the Dynamic Minds fitness program.

The artistic programs the organization offers are therapeutic and fun. Besides, who does not like getting their fingers dirty in a little acrylic paint now and again?

"I think there are many applications for the use of art as a therapeutic outlet. Art therapy is a way of giving ourselves a break from the everyday," Ranta says. "When we are creating we can focus on the subject at hand and there is a mindful component to being in a space where we can connect directly to what we are doing. ... Overall I see art or using art therapy in mental health as a way of taking care of ourselves and expressing, accepting and having fun."

That expression, Ranta says, allows members to see themselves as more than their diagnosis and enables them to come into themselves fully as individuals.

"When we have important experiences that we are holding onto, sometimes it is easier to transfer the feelings and content of those experiences through an art form as opposed to trying to talk or write about that experience," she explains. "There is also the emotional aspect of connecting to the different colours and images that inspire us and evoke emotion, which can allow us to express through different mediums."

Ranta has received excellent feedback from the participants and says it even helped her achieve greater self-love and acceptance.

"I think the general consensus from the group was that we felt closer at the end of the workshop and that this was a great way to express ourselves," she says. "I know for me personally, this experience was something very inspirational and a way to be non-judgmental with myself and whatever came out of my art."

Seeing their magic on the walls has been a great benefit to the artists, as well as the community. Ranta says it has helped propel forward the conversation on mental health, while allowing others to see the contributions that mental health consumers can make.

"I think being able to see our hard work on the walls of Artists on Elgin was a great ending to this project and definitely a beautiful way to celebrate the work that was put into all of the pieces, but also to the transformations that we made through coming to terms with and telling our stories," Ranta says.

"It feels good to share what is important to us and create dialogue for mental health awareness, too. Processing experiences in this way is a great way to work through mental health issues and I think that anyone can benefit from giving more attention to being creative as a means of being well."

Another creative art workshop series is planned, beginning March 8 at 10 a.m. For more information or to participate, go to www.nisa.on.ca, or contact Ranta at 705-222-6472 ext. 305 or kranta@nisa.on.ca.

The Story of Us continues throughout February at Artists on Elgin, 168 Elgin St. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Have news on upcoming arts and entertainment events? Please email me the details at maryk.keown@sunmedia.ca or call me at 1-705-674-5271, ext. 505235. You can also reach me on Twitter: @marykkeown.